Device for selecting contact lens within a furniture arranged to receive a plurality of contact lens and method associated thereof

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a device for selecting contact lenses within a cabinet arranged to receive a plurality of contact lenses, the device including a storage data device for storing data based on measurements from an auto refractometer; and a data processor device associated with a calculation module for identifying a contact lens on the basis firstly of data from the auto refractometer as previously stored in the storage device, and secondly of additional data relating to the contact lens that is to be identified and that was previously input by the user, the data processor device associated with said calculation module also being arranged to identify the location of the lens within the cabinet. The invention also relates to an associated method.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/199,368 filed Mar. 6, 2014, which claims priority to FrenchApplication No. 13 52030 filed Mar. 6, 2013, the entire contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The invention relates to a device for selecting contact lenses within acabinet, and also to an associated method.

BACKGROUND

When an ophthalmologist examines a patient, an auto refractometer isused to determine the nature of the patient's ametropia (defectivevision). The auto refractometer is generally connected to theophthalmologist's personal computer, which computer includes softwarecapable of processing the data from the refractometer and serving inparticular to display the measurements taken by the auto refractometer.An example of software that is in widespread use for this purpose is theStudioVision software available from the supplier RealVision.

Typically, the various kinds of ametropia are as follows: myopia,hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia.

The measurements performed by the auto refractometer are objectivemeasurements. For each eye of the patient, they provide in particularthe following conventional data as determined by the above-mentionedsoftware:

-   -   sphere (depending on its sign, this measurement relates to the        degree of myopia or of hyperopia of the eye in question of the        patient;    -   cylinder (a measurement relating to the degree of astigmatism;    -   axis (a measurement relating to the axis of astigmatism);    -   addition (a measurement relating to the presbyopia correction        for progressive lenses; specifying values to be added to far        vision in order to provide a correction for near vision);    -   radius (radii) (measured relative to the radius of curvature of        the cornea of the patient's eye. In general, two radii of        curvature of the cornea are measured in order to determine the        maximum keratometry and the minimum keratometry), and in        general, the following additional data:        -   the axis of the or each radius of curvature of the cornea            involved in the measurement.

On the basis of these objective measurements, the ophthalmologistgenerally carries out subjective evaluation seeking to adapt theobjective data supplied by the auto refractometer. This adaptation seeksto take account of the daily lifestyle of the patient, such as dailyexposure to light, nature of the patient's work, or the sportingactivity of the patient.

Thereafter, the ophthalmologist determines the characteristics of thecontact lenses that are to be proposed to the patient.

For this purpose, the ophthalmologist takes account of the nature of thepatient's ametropia, as determined by the auto refractometer, in orderto select the shape of the lens (e.g. spherical, toric, multifocal),that is best suited to the patient.

The ophthalmologist also takes account of the nature of the materialfrom which the contact lens is made (e.g. silicone hydrogel, hydrogel,rigid).

Finally, the ophthalmologist takes account of the frequency with whichthe lens is to be worn that the ophthalmologist considers as being thebest suited to the patient (e.g. lenses on a daily, monthly, bimonthly,or quarterly basis).

The ophthalmologist also takes account of the measurements performed bythe auto refractometer, and possibly of any subjective correction tothose measurements.

It should be observed that when a subjective evaluation is made on thebasis of objective measurements taken by the auto refractometer (as isoften the case), the ophthalmologist must personally make corrections tothe measurements that have been taken by the auto refractometer.

The ophthalmologist relies on personal experience and/or on equivalencetables that are well known to the person skilled in the art.

For certain contact lenses, this correction is quite easy to do and theophthalmologist makes a selection based on personal experience.

Nevertheless, this is not true of all contact lenses. For example, thecorrection is difficult to determine when toric lenses need to beproposed for a patient. Under such circumstances, the ophthalmologistrequires a certain amount of time to select the correction that isfinally chosen, relying on equivalence tables.

This can lead to a loss of time, and possibly also to error in thesubjective correction.

Once all of the characteristics of the contact lenses have beendetermined, the ophthalmologist takes the lenses in question from astock. For this purpose, the ophthalmologist generally has a pluralityof storage cabinets from various suppliers.

After a certain amount of time, the ophthalmologist must then reordercontact lenses that are no longer available in the ophthalmologist's ownstock so that an employee of the supplier can replenish the stock(restocking)

This leads to a loss of time for the ophthalmologist. Furthermore, it ispossible for that to lead to errors in the kinds of contact lenses thatare to be supplied.

If the ophthalmologist does not make an order, regular visits by thesupplier can also serve to achieve restocking, however that is generallynot sufficient since the supplier has no idea about which contact lensesare missing.

Restocking contact lenses available on the premises of anophthalmologist (test lenses) thus leads to difficulties, both for theophthalmologist and for the ophthalmologist's supplier.

SUMMARY

An object of the invention is to propose a device and/or a method thatavoids at least one of the above-specified drawbacks.

To this end, the invention provides a device for selecting contactlenses within a cabinet arranged to receive a plurality of contactlenses, the device being characterized in that it comprises:

-   -   means for storing data based on measurements from an auto        refractometer; and    -   data processor means associated with a calculation module for        identifying a contact lens on the basis firstly of data from the        auto refractometer as previously stored in the storage means,        and secondly of additional data relating to the contact lens        that is to be identified and that was previously input by the        user, said data processor means associated with said calculation        module also being arranged to identify the location of the lens        within the cabinet.

The device of the invention may also include one or more of thefollowing characteristics, taken singly or in combination:

-   -   means for identifying information relating to the content of a        box including a contact lens in the identified location in the        cabinet, which means are associated with a module for taking        account of this data within the device;    -   remote transmission means for taking information relating to the        contact lens for which the box has been identified and        transmitting it remotely, e.g. via the Internet; and a remote        computer server capable of communicating with the means for        remotely transmitting the information relating to the contact        lens, the server being arranged to keep track of the contact        lenses extracted from the cabinet;    -   the calculation module is incorporated in the remote computer        server;    -   the calculation module is housed in the cabinet;    -   display means for displaying said additional data relating to        the contact lens, which data includes data to be supplied by a        user concerning the shape of the lens, the nature of the        material forming the lens, and the frequency with which the lens        is to be worn;    -   communications means, such as a Bluetooth link, for        communicating with a personal computer of the user, which        computer stores the data from the auto refractometer;    -   the cabinet has a plurality of drawers, each drawer being        arranged to receive a plurality of series of contact lenses of a        given model so that each series of contact lenses differs from        another series of contact lenses by its ophthalmic correction        power;    -   the cabinet is in the form of an automatic dispenser of contact        lens boxes;    -   the dispenser cabinet includes means for automatically        extracting the box containing the contact lens from its        location, e.g. an electric trigger capable of extracting said        box and associated with a chute capable of transferring said box        to an outlet of the cabinet;    -   the means for identifying information relating to the content of        a box containing the contact lens, e.g. a radio frequency        identification (RFID) reader or a bar code reader, are arranged        inside the cabinet, advantageously at an outlet from the        cabinet;    -   the dispenser cabinet may include an inlet, e.g. in the form of        a slot, for inserting a contact lens box;    -   the dispenser cabinet may include other means for identifying        information relating to the content of a box that includes the        contact lens, which means are advantageously arranged inside the        cabinet at the inlet to the cabinet;    -   the dispenser cabinet includes means for putting the box back in        its location;    -   the data processor means associated with the calculation module        are also arranged to determine the characteristics of a new lens        from the characteristics of a previously identified lens and        from additional data measured by the user on a patient wearing        said previously identified lens, the additional data comprising        at least a measurement of over refraction, said data processor        means associated with said calculation module also being        arranged to identify the location of this new lens within the        cabinet;    -   when said previously identified lens is a spherical lens, the        data processor means associated with the calculation module are        arranged to determine the sphere, the cylinder, and the axis of        the new lens on the basis of the characteristics of the        previously identified lens and of a measurement of over        refraction performed on the patient wearing said previously        identified lens;    -   when the previously identified lens is a toric lens, the data        processor means associated with the calculation module are        arranged to determine the sphere, the cylinder, and the axis of        the new lens from the characteristics of the previously        identified lens and from measurements of over refraction and of        rotation performed by the user on the patient wearing said        previously identified lens; and    -   when the previously identified lens is a progressive lens, the        data processor means associated with the calculation module are        arranged to determine the sphere and/or the addition of the new        lens from the characteristics of the previously identified lens,        in particular its addition, from the age of the patient, and        from over refraction, duochrome, and near and far vision visual        acuity measurements, and from a determination of the dominant or        fellow eye of the patient performed by the user on the patient        wearing the previously identified lens.

For this purpose, the invention also provides a method of selectingcontact lenses within a cabinet, which method is characterized in thatthe following steps are performed:

-   -   a) storing data based on measurements from an auto        refractometer;    -   b) inputting additional data relating to the contact lens, other        than the data provided by the auto refractometer, namely data        relating to the shape of the lens, to the nature of the material        forming the lens, and to the frequency with which the lens is to        be worn;    -   c) determining the characteristics of a contact lens available        from the supplier on the basis firstly of measurement data from        the auto refractometer that has previously been stored, and        secondly from additional data previously input by the user in        step b);    -   d) identifying the location of the contact lens within the        cabinet; and    -   e) extracting the box including the contact lens from the        cabinet.

The method of the invention may also include one or more of thefollowing characteristics, taken singly or in combination:

-   -   the method further comprises the following steps:    -   f) at least measuring over refraction on a patient wearing the        contact lens of characteristics that were determined at step c);    -   g) determining the characteristics of the new contact lens on        the basis firstly of the measurement data obtained in step f)        and secondly of the characteristics of the contact lens as        determined in step c);    -   h) identifying the location within the cabinet (1) of the new        contact lens; and    -   i) extracting from the cabinet (1) the box containing the new        contact lens;    -   when the contact lens of characteristics that were determined in        step c) is a spherical lens, step g) consists in determining the        sphere, the cylinder, and the axis of the new contact lens;    -   when the contact lens of characteristics that were determined in        step c) is a toric lens, step f) consists at least in measuring        over refraction and rotation, and step g) consists in        determining the sphere, the cylinder, and the axis of the new        contact lens;    -   when the contact lens of characteristics that were determined in        step c) is a progressive lens, step f) consists in performing        over refraction, duochrome, and near and far vision visual        acuity measurements, in determining the dominant or fellow eye        of the patient, and in providing the age of the patient, and        step g) consists in determining the sphere and/or the addition        of the new contact lens;    -   a step of informing the user of the location of the contact lens        within the cabinet;    -   a step consisting in automatically dispensing the box including        the contact lens;    -   a step in which information contained on the box of the contact        lens is identified, said box being provided with a bar code or        with an RFID chip;    -   a step in which the information identified on the contact lens        box is transmitted remotely, e.g. via the Internet, in order to        enable the contact lenses to be restocked;    -   a step in which restocking of contact lenses is initiated when        the number of boxes including identified contact lenses as        transmitted remotely drops below a predefined threshold value;        and    -   a step in which the characteristic data of the lens including        the information present on the box that has been identified is        transmitted to the user's personal computer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be better understood and other objects, advantages,and characteristics thereof appear more clearly on reading the followingdescription that is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 shows a device in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the device shown in FIG. 1, together withits environment; and

FIG. 3 is another functional block diagram of the device shown in FIG.1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An example of a device for selecting and restocking contact lenses inaccordance with the invention is shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

The device 100 comprises a portion 101 installed locally with anophthalmologist and a remote portion 40 installed with a supplier.

The portion 101 is in the form of a cabinet 1 arranged to receive aplurality of contact lenses 50 and housing a plurality of functions asdescribed below.

The auto refractometer 20 is generally connected by a cable 21 to thepersonal computer 22 of the ophthalmologist. The personal computer 22includes software 221 for processing data coming from the autorefractometer 20, and a memory 225 for storing the data as processed inthis way.

In order to provide communication between the ophthalmologist's personalcomputer 22 and the device in accordance with the invention, it ispossible to use a module 222 of the computer 22 for managing a Bluetoothlink 30. Under such circumstances, the device 100 likewise has a module3 for managing a Bluetooth link, for the purpose of communicating withthe software 221 for processing the data from the auto refractometer 20and/or for communicating with the memory 225.

The data from the software 221 can thus be transferred into the device100 in accordance with the invention and stored therein.

For this purpose, the device 100 includes storage means 4 (memory) forstoring the measurement data from the auto refractometer 20. The storagemeans 4 may advantageously be a flash memory storing data temporarilyfor subsequent processing.

The Bluetooth® link is merely an example, and it is possible to envisageusing other modes of communication between the ophthalmologist'spersonal computer 22 and the device 100 in accordance with theinvention, such as a WiFi link or a wired link using a local network.

It is even possible to envisage having no mode of communication betweenthe ophthalmologist's personal computer 22 and the device 100 of theinvention. Under such circumstances, the display means 2 of the devicemay provide for displaying a keypad to enable the ophthalmologist to keyin directly the data from the auto refractometer. In a variant, thedevice 100 could have a keypad for this purpose.

In any event, the display means 2 serve to display data relating to thelens. In particular, the display means 2 serve to display a windowproposing information about selecting the contact lens that theophthalmologist is indeed seeking to select, this information beingadditional to the information supplied by the auto refractometer 20.

This information relates in particular to the frequency with which thecontact lens is to be worn (daily, monthly), the nature of the materialfrom which the contact lens is made and the shape of the contact lens(spherical, toric, . . . ).

The device 100 also has data processor means 5 such as a processor or aset of processors associated with a calculation module 51 serving todetermine which contact lens is the most appropriate for the patient.

For this purpose, the calculation module 51 relies on measurements fromthe auto refractometer 20 (sphere, cylinder, axis, addition, radius(radii), and optionally but not necessarily about the axis associatedwith the or each radius), which measurements are previously stored inthe memory 4. The calculator module also relies on information displayedon the display means 2 (shape of the contact lens, nature of thematerial forming the lens, frequency with which the lens is to be worn),as requested of the ophthalmologist and as previously entered into thedevice 100 by the ophthalmologist.

In a basic version, the calculation module 51 thus has the followingdata input thereto:

-   -   the shape of the contact lens (associated with the type of        ametropia), the nature of the material forming the lens, and the        frequency with which the lens is to be worn; as input by the        ophthalmologist directly into the device 100; and    -   sphere, cylinder, axis, addition, and two measurements of radii        of curvature of the cornea (keratometry max and min); obtained        from the auto refractometer 20 and possibly corrected        subjectively by the ophthalmologist.

With the above-specified input data, the calculation module 51determines which contact lens is the best adapted to the vision defectof the patient, using the following criteria:

-   -   1) shape of the lens (ametropia): exact match;    -   2) material of the lens: exact match;    -   3) frequency with which the lens is to be worn: exact match; and    -   4) radius: identifying the radii that are available from the        supplier.

The extreme values for radii available from the supplier for “standard”contact lenses serve to define a range [R_(min), R_(max)]. This range[R_(min), R_(max)] depends on the supplier's product range and may varyover time for each supplier.

The radius must then lie within the minimum and maximum values [R_(min),R_(max)] for this radius that are available in the “standard” range oflenses proposed by the supplier.

On the (rare) assumption that the ophthalmologist makes only onemeasurement of this radius of curvature, it is possible to select thismeasurement directly, which measurement may be objective or subjectiveas explained above.

In the more usual situation where the ophthalmologist takes twomeasurements of the radius of curvature of the cornea (keratometry max,keratometry min), this radius is determined as a function of these twomeasurements of the radius of the curvature of the cornea, and possiblyalso of the sphere, as obtained from the auto refractometer 20.

For example, it is possible to determine the radius by taking thearithmetic mean between the two radius measurements performed with theauto refractometer. Thereafter, it is verified whether this radius lieswithin the range [R_(min), R_(max)]. If so, an appropriate lens can befound.

-   -   5) sphere: identifying a sphere value available from the        supplier.

The extreme sphere values available from the supplier of standardcontact lenses serve to define a range [SphereMin, SphereMax].

If the sphere value lies within this range and corresponds to an exactvalue available in the supplier's product range, then this lens isselected (trivial situation).

If this sphere value lies within the range [SphereMin, SphereMax], butthe exact value of this sphere as obtained from the auto refractometer,in objective or subjective form is not identified as forming one of thestandard contact lenses available with the supplier, then:

-   -   if the sphere value (obtained from the auto refractometer        measurement) is negative, a contact lens that is available in        the supplier's product range is selected as a function of the        nearest smaller value, in absolute value, for this sphere;    -   if the sphere value (obtained from the auto refractometer        measurement) is positive, then a contact lens that is available        in the supplier's product range is selected as a function of the        nearest greater value, in absolute value, for this sphere.    -   6) cylinder: identifying a cylinder value available from the        supplier.

The extreme sphere values available from the supplier for standardcontact lenses makes it possible to define a range [CylMin, CylMax].

If the value of the cylinder lies within this range and corresponds toan exact value available from the supplier's product range, then thislens is selected (trivial situation).

If this cylinder value lies within the range but the exact value is notidentified as being one of the lenses available in the supplier'sproduct range, then a contact lens is selected as a function of thenearest smaller value, in absolute value, of the cylinder.

-   -   7) axis (astigmatism): identifying an axis value available from        the supplier.

The extreme axial values available from the supplier for standardcontact lenses make it possible to define a range [AxisMin, AxisMax].

If the axis value lies within the range and corresponds to an exactvalue available in the supplier's product range, then this lens isselected (trivial situation).

If the axis value lies within the range but the exact value is notidentified as being one of the contact lenses available in the cabinet,then:

If 0<axis<45°, a contact lens is selected from the supplier's productrange that presents the axis value that is the nearest to the valuezero.

If 45°≦axis≦135°, then a contact lens is selected having the axis valuethat is the nearest to 90°.

If 135°≦axis≦180°, then the contact lens is selected that presents theaxis value nearest to 180°.

-   -   8) addition: several circumstances need to be distinguished.

If the contact lens presents a single addition profile, then thataddition profile is selected (trivial situation).

If the contact lens presents two addition profiles (low profile=firstaddition value, high profile=second addition value, greater than thefirst addition value):

-   -   either the addition is less than or equal to a predefined        threshold value (e.g. threshold value=2.25 diopters), in which        case the low profile is selected;    -   or else the addition is strictly greater than the threshold        value, in which case the high profile is selected.

If the contact lens presents more than two addition profiles, then:

-   -   if the addition is strictly less than the threshold value (e.g.        threshold value=2.25 diopters), then the contact lens that        satisfies this criterion is selected;    -   if the addition is equal to the threshold value or greater, then        an addition of predetermined value is added to the sphere that        has been obtained in order to select the contact lens (for an        addition of value 2.25, the predetermined value to be added to        the sphere is 0.25; for an addition of value 3, then the        predetermined value to be added to the sphere is 0.5).

The most appropriate contact lens (test lens) is advantageouslydetermined by complying with the above order 1) to 8). Thus, oncecondition 1) is satisfied, a search is made for a contact lens availablein the supplier's product range that is capable of satisfying condition2), and so on for all of the conditions. Nevertheless, it is possible toenvisage using some other order when selecting a contact lens.

This is particularly advantageous since it avoids any need for theophthalmologist to call on personal experience, or in certaincircumstances to use equivalence tables as are well known to the personskilled in the art for matching data relative to corrective lenses foreyeglasses with the corresponding data for contact lenses.

The data processing is thus faster and less subject to possible errorsof assessment by the ophthalmologist.

Furthermore, once the most appropriate contact lens for the patient hasbeen determined, the processor means 5 associated with the calculationmodule 51 also serve to identify the location within the cabinet 1 ofthe contact lens.

The processing performed thus makes it possible not only to select thecharacteristics of the contact lens that is the most appropriate for thepatient, but also serves to identify the drawer 11 in the cabinet 1 thatcontains the lens.

The display means 2 can then be used to display the position of the lensin the cabinet. In a variant, in addition to having only a visual alertthat consists in displaying the location of the looked-for lens on thedisplay means, it is possible to envisage having an audible alert and/ora visual alert.

If the contact lens that is likely to be the most appropriate for thepatient does not satisfy one of the criteria defined by abovereferences 1) to 8), that means the contact lens does not exist in thestandard product range of contact lenses available from the supplier.Under such circumstances, the ophthalmologist needs to order amade-to-measure lens (a contact lens Rx) from the supplier.

Furthermore, after using the calculation module 51 to determine the mostappropriate contact lens for the patient, it is possible that the lensis indeed present in the range of standard contact lenses available fromthe supplier, but that the cabinet 1 is not arranged to provide for thiscontact lens. For reasons of efficiency, the cabinet 1 preferablycontains the lenses that are prescribed the most. Under suchcircumstances, the ophthalmologist must likewise order this standardcontact lens from the supplier.

Nevertheless, in a particularly advantageous embodiment, it isappropriate to recall that the invention also seeks to avoid the cabinet1 being out of stock of standard contact lenses for which locations areinitially provided in the cabinet.

To this end, the device 100 may include means 6 for identifying the boxcontaining the previously selected and identified contact lens. Thesemeans 6 may be a bar code reader or an RFID reader. To this end,advantage is taken of a bar code or of an RFID chip present on each boxof contact lenses.

FIG. 2 shows a bar code reader 6 that can be handled by theophthalmologist.

With an RFID reader, it is possible to envisage incorporating the readerdirectly in the cabinet 1. The ophthalmologist then needs to pass thebox of contact lenses fitted with an RFID chip in front of the RFIDreader. Advantageously, each drawer 11 of the cabinet 1 is provided witha reader of this type, such that it is possible for a box of contactlenses to be identified automatically each time it leaves the drawer 11in question. Once the box has been identified, a module 61 that alsoforms part of the device 100 and that is connected to the identificationmeans 6 serves to take account of the information in the bar code.

Taking account of the information identified on the box enables the dataprocessor means 5 of the device to perform several actions that areparticularly advantageous.

Firstly, by using a module 7 and a remote link 41, such as the Internet,this enables the data identified on the lens box to be transmitted to aremote computer server 40 located with the contact lens supplier.

As a result, the contact lens supplier knows which lens has been used bythe ophthalmologist. This enables restocking to be managed effectively ,with knowledge of the various contact lenses remaining in the cabinet 1present in the ophthalmologist's office. The supplier can then identifywhich contact lenses are likely to be missing and can organize targeteddelivery. This avoids any need for the ophthalmologist to make an order,thereby saving time. This also makes it possible to avoid possibleerrors that the ophthalmologist might make when making an order.

Secondly, the device 100 can send the data received by the module 61 tothe ophthalmologist's personal computer 22 via the above-mentioned link30. A file 224 taking account of all of the characteristics of thecontact lens proposed by the ophthalmologist is thus stored with theinitial file 223 relating to the patient. It is thus possible to trackvariation in the types of contact lens proposed in succession to thepatient.

On this topic, reference may be made to FIG. 3.

The fact of scanning the lens box produces traceability that makes iteasy to identify a batch of faulty contact lenses.

If the ophthalmologist seeks to put back the contact lens box that hasbeen extracted from the cabinet, the box can be identified once againwith the means 6 in order to avoid the stock being decremented.

It should be observed that the data from the auto refractometer 20, asprocessed by the software 221 and stored in the memory 225 of theophthalmologist personal computer 22 may be objective data concerningmeasurement actually performed by the auto refractometer. The data mayalso be subjective data, i.e. data that the ophthalmologist has modifiedpersonally on the basis of the objective data provided by the autorefractometer 20. Either way, the objective or subjective data isorganized in the ophthalmologist's personal computer 22 with the help ofthe software.

This aspect does not change in any way the operation of the device 100in accordance with the invention, which can thus receive equally welldata that is objective or subjective, which data is based in bothsituations on measurement data from the auto refractometer 20.

It should also be observed that the calculation module 51 isadvantageously incorporated within the device 100, i.e. on the premisesof the ophthalmologist. Nevertheless, in a variant it is possible toenvisage incorporating the calculation module 51 in a remote server 40.However this variant is less advantageous since it relies on the remoteconnection 41 functioning properly.

Furthermore, the above description assumes that it is theophthalmologist who inputs data relating to the shape of the contactlens (associated with ametropy), to the nature of the material formingthe lens, and to the frequency with which the lens is to be worn, byacting on the display means 2 present in the device 100.

However, in some circumstances, the ophthalmologist's personal computer22 provides a user interface enabling the ophthalmologist to input thisdata. Under such circumstances, the device 100 acting via the processormeans 5 and the calculation module 51 can initiate calculation of thecontact lens that is the most appropriate for the patient directly onthe basis of the data transmitted from the ophthalmologist's personalcomputer 22 to the device 100. Under such circumstances, the displaymeans 2 are not necessary.

The cabinet 1 described above with reference to the accompanying figuresis a piece of furniture 1 having drawers 11.

In a variant (not shown in the accompanying figures), it is possible toenvisage the cabinet 1 being a piece of furniture in the form of anautomatic dispenser of contact lens boxes. The operation of a device inaccordance with the invention including such a cabinet, referred tobelow as a dispenser cabinet, is similar to that described for thedifferent variants above, concerning the transfer of data between theophthalmologist's personal computer 22 and the device 100, concerningstorage in the memory 4, and concerning the selection of contact lensesby using the processor means 5 and the associated calculation module 51.

In contrast, with such a dispenser cabinet, the means for identifyingthe information contained on a contact lens box are different.

Furthermore, a dispenser cabinet also has means for automaticallyextracting the box corresponding to the lens selected by the calculationmodule 51. For this purpose, the contact lenses are arranged in thedispenser cabinet in a manner analogous to their arrangement in thecabinet 1 with drawers.

Each level of the dispenser cabinet can then be considered ascorresponding to a drawer 11 of the cabinet 1 shown in FIG. 1. In otherwords, the dispenser cabinet may be arranged to receive a plurality ofseries of contact lenses of a given model on each of its levels, witheach series of contact lenses differing from another series of contactlenses in the power of its ophthalmic correction. From one level toanother, it is possible to provide different models of lenses.

Means are then provided for extracting a contact lens box. For example,such means may comprise an electrical trigger capable of extracting thebox in question from its location, and associated with a chute capableof transferring the box that has been extracted from its location andconveying it to the outlet from the dispenser cabinet.

The means (first reader) for identifying the information contained onthe box (e.g. an RFID or a bar code reader) are then advantageouslyinstalled inside the dispenser cabinet, preferably at the outlet fromthe cabinet from which the ophthalmologist can retrieve said box. In avariant, this reader may be arranged inside the cabinet and not at itsoutlet, or it may be arranged on the outside portion of the cabinet, orindeed outside the cabinet, as shown in FIG. 2.

The transfer, if any, of the information recovered by the reader to theremote server 40 then takes place as described above for the device 100described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, as does the transfer, if any,of this information to the ophthalmologist's personal computer 22.

If the ophthalmologist seeks to return the box that has been extractedfrom the dispenser cabinet (e.g. if the ophthalmologist has made asubjective correction to the objective data from the auto refractometerthat seems to be erroneous), it is possible for the box to be insertedinto the cabinet via an inlet provided for this purpose, e.g. a slot.

By way of example, means (second reader) for identifying the informationcontained in an RFID chip or a bar code present on the box areadvantageously installed inside the cabinet at said inlet in order toidentify the contact lens and thus make sure that it is not decrementedfrom the cabinet. In a variant, this second reader may be arrangedinside the cabinet, but not at its inlet, or it may be arranged on anoutside portion of the cabinet, or indeed outside the cabinet, as shownin FIG. 2.

Finally, when an inlet is provided to the dispenser cabinet, the cabinetincludes means for putting the box back into its place.

The various means of the dispenser cabinet relating to optionallyreturning a previously extracted contact lens box to its place areoptional, but advantageously they are provided.

The invention is not limited solely to the device 100 described above inits different variants.

Thus, the module 51 may have other functions seeking to propose a newtest lens after the patient has already been testing for a few hours ora few weeks a test lens that was prescribed by the ophthalmologist. Thisconstitutes a verification step that makes it possible to propose a newcontact lens.

Case No. 1: Checking a Spherical Lens

The ophthalmologist selects the previously performed test, or one ofsuch tests, as stored in the memory 4. The list relating to the or eachtest that has been performed for a patient is displayed on the displaymeans 2 with the corresponding lens being selected by date and name. Ingeneral, the ophthalmologist will select the most recent test, whichcorresponds to the test lens being worn by the patient. All of thecharacteristic data for the lens is thus known.

In known manner, the ophthalmologist then inputs the value correspondingto the biomicroscopy of the eye in order to indicate whether the lenshas appropriate fitting parameters concerning centering, mobility, andcoverage. In the event of poor centering or poor coverage, for example,the ophthalmologist may request a call from the supplier's technicalsupport.

Usually there will be no difficulty with positioning the lens.

The ophthalmologist then inputs the parameters corresponding tomonocular over refraction for each of the two eyes wearing a respectivetest lens. To obtain this data, the ophthalmologist takes measurementsin conditional manner, while the patient is wearing the test lenses.Over refraction is the refraction obtained on a lens being worn.

The ophthalmologist then enters the measured over refraction data intothe device 100 in accordance with the invention, e.g. using the personalcomputer 22.

With the above-specified input data, the calculation module 51 inassociation with the processor means 5 determines a new test contactlens that is better adapted, as follows:

-   -   sphere=sum of the sphere of the test lens selected by the        ophthalmologist (e.g. the lens being worn by the patient) plus        the over refraction sphere;    -   cylinder=over refraction cylinder; and    -   axis (astigmatism)=over refraction axis.        It should be observed that the resulting lens is not necessarily        a spherical lens.

Once the calculation has been performed by the module 51, identificationand selection of the new test lens take place as described above. Inparticular, the processor module 5 determines whether the new test lensis available in the cabinet or whether it needs to be ordered.

In summary, when the previously identified lens is a spherical lens, thedata processor means 5 associated with the calculation module 51 arearranged to determine the sphere, the cylinder, and the axis of the newlens on the basis of the characteristics of the previously identifiedlens and on the basis of an over refraction measurement performed on thepatient wearing the previously identified lens.

Case No. 2: Checking a Toric Lens

The ophthalmologist selects the previously performed test, or one ofthem, as stored in the memory 4. In general, the ophthalmologist selectsthe most recent test, the test that corresponds to the test lens beingworn by the patient. All of the characteristic data of this lens istherefore known.

In known manner, the ophthalmologist then inputs values corresponding tobiomicroscopy of the eye in order to indicate whether the lens hasfitting parameters that are appropriate in terms of centering, mobility,and coverage. In the event of difficulty with positioning the lens, theophthalmologist may call the supplier's technical support.

Usually, there is no difficulty with positioning the lens.

The ophthalmologist then uses a known method to measure the rotation ofeach lens.

The ophthalmologist must then determine the parameters that correspondto the monocular over refraction for each of the two eyes wearing a testlens.

Thereafter, the ophthalmologist inputs the rotation measurements and themeasurements associated with monocular over refraction into the device100.

With the above-specified input data, the calculation module 51 togetherwith the processor means 5 can then act as follows to determine a newtest contact lens that is better adapted, by determining the sphere,cylinder, and axis parameters that involve the rotation measurements.

sphere=B3+B6+(B4+B7)/2−B13/2;

-   -   cylinder=B13;    -   axis: IF B14≦0.5

THEN axis=INT[B14+180+0.499];

ELSE axis=INT[B14+0.499];

With:

INT=the mathematical operator giving the integer portion of a number;

B3=the sphere of the selected test lens (e.g. the lens worn by thepatient coming for checking);

B4=the cylinder of the selected test lens;

B5=the axis of the selected test lens;

B6=over refraction sphere;

B7=over refraction cylinder;

B8=over refraction axis;

B9=measured rotation of the selected test lens.

And:

B11=B4*COS((B5−B9)*PI/90)+B7*COS(B8*PI/90)

B12=B4*SIN((B5−B9)*PI/90)+B7*SIN(B8*PI/90)

B13=−((B11̂2+B12̂2)̂0.5)

Calculating B14;

If B12=0

Then

-   -   If

B13−B11=0

-   -   Then

B14=180−B9

-   -   Else

B14=90−B9

-   -   EndIf

Else

B14=B9+A TAN((B13−B11)/B12)*180/PI

EndIf

Where: PI is approximately equal to 3.14159.

Once the calculation has been performed by the module 51, the new testlens is identified and selected as described above. In particular, theprocessor module 5 determines whether the new test lens is available inthe cabinet or whether it needs to be ordered.

In summary, when the previously identified lens is a toric lens, thedata processor means 5 associated with the calculation module 51 arearranged to determine the sphere, the cylinder, and the axis of the newlens on the basis of the characteristics of the previously identifiedlens and of over refraction and rotation measurements performed by theuser on the patient wearing the previously identified lens.

Case No. 3: Checking a Progressive Lens

The ophthalmologist selects the previously performed test, or one ofthem, as stored in the memory 4. In general, the ophthalmologist selectsthe most recent test, which corresponds to the test lens being worn bythe patient. All of the data characteristic of this lens is thus known.

In known manner, the ophthalmologist then inputs the valuescorresponding to the biomicroscopy of the eye in order to indicatewhether the lens has fitting parameters that are suitable in terms ofcentering, mobility, and coverage. In the event of difficulty inpositioning the lens, the ophthalmologist may call the supplier'stechnical support.

Usually, there is no difficulty in positioning the lens.

The ophthalmologist then inputs the patient's dominant eye into thedevice 100, i.e. the left eye or the right eye. By definition, thefellow eye is the non-dominant eye. More precisely, the fellow eye orthe more convex eye is the eye for which the sphere of the selected testlens for determining the new test lens is the greatest in algebraicvalue.

The ophthalmologist also inputs the patient's age into the device 100.

Thereafter, the ophthalmologist inputs into the device 100 the patient'spreference concerning the red/green test in far vision: red, green, orbalance. The “green” value causes an alert window to appear, informingthe ophthalmologist that it is necessary to modify the correction sothat it tends towards red.

The ophthalmologist must then input into the device 100 values forbinocular visual acuity, while the patient is wearing the selected testlens:

-   -   far vision visual acuity (FVVA): a scrolling list is displayed        in which the values are labeled on the Monoyer visual acuity        scale. In the scrolling list, the size of the font used        increases with decreasing acuity in order to make the scale more        readable; and    -   near vision visual acuity (NVVA): a scrolling list is displayed        in which the values are labeled on the Parinaud visual acuity        scale. The size of the font used in the scrolling list increases        with decreasing acuity in order to make the scale more readable.        It is also necessary to specify the distance at which the test        is performed.

The calculation module 51 then operates as follows on the basis of thedata input into the device 100 by the ophthalmologist, e.g. using thepersonal computer 22.

The calculation module 51 is based on defining a score taken from theMonoyer scale (FVVA) and the Parinaud scale (NVVA), as follows:

For FVVA:

12/10=8 points

11/10=7 points

10/10=6 points

9/10=5 points

8/10=4 points

7/10=3 points

6/10=2 points

5/10=1 point

For NVVA:

P2=8 points

P3=6 points

P4=4 points

P5=2 points

The score is then defined as the sum of the points obtained for FVVA andNVVA.

If the score≧12, then the following level 1 algorithm is used, beingperformed by the calculation module 51.

-   -   If FVVA≧10/10, then the sphere of the fellow eye is increased by        +0.25 diopters;    -   If FVVA≦9/10 and NVVA≧P3, then the sphere of the dominant eye is        decreased by −0.25 diopters;    -   If both eyes are “low” and 52 years patient's age 55 years, then        the addition of the fellow eye is increased from “low” to “high”        (where “low” and “high” are terms well known to the person        skilled in the art);    -   If the fellow eye is already “low” and patient's age>55 years        and FVVA 10/10, then the addition of the dominant eye is        increased from “low” to “high”; and    -   If none of the above four conditions apply, then the level 3        algorithm is used.

If 9<score<12, then the following level 2 algorithm is used:

-   -   If NVVA>10/10 and duochrome is green and/or over refraction is        convex or flat, then the sphere of both selected test lenses is        increased by +0.25 diopters;    -   If FVVA≦8/10 and NVVA>P2 then the sphere of both selected test        lenses is decreased by −0.25 diopters; and    -   If neither of the above two conditions applies, then the level 3        algorithm is used.

Finally, if score 9 or if the level 1 and level 2 algorithms have notreached a solution, then the following level 3 algorithm is used:

If patient's age lies in the range 45 years to 48 years (included), thenthe sphere (over refraction) of both test lenses is reduced by −0.25diopters;

If the patient's age lies in the range 48 years (excluded) to 50 years(included), then the sphere of the test lens for the dominant eye isreduced by −0.25 diopters and the sphere for the test lens on the felloweye is reduced by −0.50 diopters;

If the patient's age lies in the range 50 years (excluded) to 52 years(included), then the sphere of both test lenses is reduced by −0.25diopters;

If the patient's age lies in the range 52 years (excluded) to 55 years(included), then the sphere on the dominant eye is reduced by −0.50diopters at “low”, and the sphere on the fellow eye is reduced by −0.75diopters at “high”; and

If the patient's age is greater than 55 years, then the sphere on bothlenses is reduced by −0.75, with “low” addition on the dominant eye and“high” addition on the fellow eye.

Once the calculation has been performed by the module 51, the new testlens is identified and selected in the same manner as described above.In particular, the processor module 5 determines whether the new testlens is available in the cabinet or needs to be ordered.

In summary, when the previously identified lens is a progressive lens,the data processor means 5 associated with the calculation module 51 arearranged to determine the sphere and/or the addition of the new lens onthe basis of the characteristics of the previously identified lens, inparticular its addition, on the basis of the patient's age, and on thebasis of over refraction, duochrome, and near and far vision visualacuity measurements, and on the basis of determining the dominant orfellow eye of the patient carried out by the user on the patient wearingthe previously identified lens.

Under all circumstances (lens that may be spherical, toric, orprogressive), the data processor means 5 associated with saidcalculation module 51 are also arranged to identify the location withinthe cabinet 1 of the new lens.

The invention also relates to a method of selecting and restockingcontact lenses within a cabinet, which method is neverthelessadvantageously performed using the device 100.

The method comprises a step a) of storing data based on measurementsfrom an auto refractometer 20.

The method includes a step b) consisting in inputting additional datarelating to the contact lens that is to be selected, other than the datasupplied by the auto refractometer, namely data relating to the shape ofthe lens, to the nature of the material from which the lens is made, andto the frequency with which the lens is to be worn. This step b) may beperformed within the device via a window that is displayed on thedisplay means 2 of the device 100. In a variant, it may be performed onthe ophthalmologist's personal computer 22.

Thereafter, once said data has been input by the ophthalmologist, themethod comprises a step c) of determining characteristics of the contactlens on the basis firstly of measurement data from the autorefractometer as previously stored, and secondly of the data previouslyinput by the user in step b).

Thereafter, in a step d), the location of the contact lens within thecabinet 1 is identified.

Theater, in a step e), the box containing the contact lens is extractedfrom the cabinet 1. When the cabinet 1 is in the form of an automaticdispenser of lens boxes, this dispensing is performed automatically sothere is no need to previously inform the ophthalmologist of thelocation of the lens within the cabinet. Nevertheless, theophthalmologist may indeed be so informed.

In contrast, when the cabinet is in the form of a piece of furniturewith drawers, as shown in FIG. 1, then an additional step is providedbetween steps d) and e) in which the ophthalmologist is informed of thelocation of the contact lens within the cabinet 1.

A step in which information contained on the box of the contact lens isidentified (scanned), which box is provided for this purpose with a barcode or with an RFID chip.

In order to ensure that the contact lenses are restocked, the method mayinclude the following steps. The information identified on the contactlens box is transmitted remotely, e.g. using the Internet, so as toenable the contact lenses to be restocked.

The data about the number of boxes of contact lenses having the samecharacteristics is thus known to the supplier via a remote server 40.The supplier can then decide to restock the contact lenses whendesirable. The supplier may also manage this restocking in automaticmanner by initiating restocking of contact lenses when the number ofboxes including identified contact lenses as transmitted remotely dropsbelow a predefined threshold value.

It should be observed that in practice the ophthalmologist does not needto perform the above-described method. The ophthalmologist is thus freeto request or not request the transfer of data from the personalcomputer 22 to the device 100.

A step consisting in transmitting the characteristic data of the scannedlens to the ophthalmologist's personal computer may be envisaged. Asexplained above, this makes it possible to track the contact lenses thathave been proposed to the patient.

Furthermore, it may turn out that the lens determined by the calculationperformed by the calculation module 51 does not exist in the range oflenses available from the supplier, for example it may be a non-standardlens requiring made-to-measure fabrication or it may be a contact lensof a type that a priori is of “standard” type but that does not satisfyall of the criteria 1) to 8). Under such circumstances, step c) does notenable the contact lens to be determined from the range of lensesavailable from the supplier. At the end of steps a) to c), the user isthen informed of the absence of this lens. The ophthalmologist can thenorder it using the device 100 to transmit a request remotely to thesupplier.

It should also be observed that the remote link between the device 100on the premises of the ophthalmologist and the remote server 40 on thepremises of the contact lens supplier makes it possible to performremote management of possible computer problems that might beencountered in the operation of the device 100.

Likewise, because of this remote link, it is possible to update thecalculation module 51. By way of example, this may be useful when thesupplier seeks to modify the type of standard contact lenses that areavailable in the cabinet, in agreement with the ophthalmologist, orindeed when it is decided to arrange these contact lenses differently inorder to satisfy a particular desire of the ophthalmologist.

Finally, as mentioned above, it is possible to perform checking a fewhours or a few weeks after the patient has tested the contact lens.

To this end, the method of the invention may also comprise the followingsteps:

-   -   f) at least measuring over refraction on a patient wearing the        contact lens of characteristics that were determined at step c);    -   g) determining the characteristics of the new contact lens on        the basis firstly of the measurement data obtained in step f)        and secondly of the characteristics of the contact lens as        determined in step c);    -   h) identifying the location within the cabinet (1) of the new        contact lens; and    -   i) extracting from the cabinet (1) the box containing the new        contact lens.

Furthermore, if the contact lens of characteristics that were determinedin step c) is a spherical lens, then step g) consists in determining thesphere, the cylinder and the axis of the new contact lens.

If the contact lens of characteristics that were determined in step c)is a toric lens, then step f) consists in performing at least overrefraction measurement and a rotation measurement, and step g) consistsin determining the sphere, the cylinder, and the axis of the new contactlens.

If the contact lens of characteristics that were determined in step c)is a progressive lens, then step f) consists in performing overrefraction, duochrome, and near and far vision visual acuitymeasurements, in determining the dominant or fellow eye of the patient,and in providing the patient's age, and step g) consists in determiningthe sphere and/or the addition of the new contact lens.

1. A device for selecting contact lenses within a cabinet, the devicecomprising: a cabinet arranged to receive a plurality of contact lensesthat are extractable from said cabinet; means for storing data based onmeasurements from an auto refractometer; and data processor meansassociated with a calculation module for identifying a contact lens onthe basis firstly of data from the auto refractometer as previouslystored in the storage means, and secondly of additional data relating tothe contact lens that is to be identified and that was previously inputby the user, said data processor means associated with said calculationmodule also being arranged to identify the location of the lens withinthe cabinet so that said lens can be extracted from the cabinet.
 2. Adevice according to claim 1, wherein the device includes means foridentifying information relating to the content of a box including acontact lens in the identified location in the cabinet, which means areassociated with a module for taking account of this data within thedevice.
 3. A device according to claim 2, wherein the device comprises:remote transmission means for taking information relating to the contactlens for which the box has been identified and transmitting it remotely;and a remote computer server capable of communicating with thetransmission means for remotely transmitting the information relating tothe contact lens, the server being arranged to keep track of the contactlenses extracted from the cabinet.
 4. A device according to claim 3,wherein the calculation module is incorporated in the remote computerserver.
 5. A device according to claim 1, wherein the calculation moduleis housed in the cabinet.
 6. A device according to claim 1, wherein themeans for identifying information relating to the content of a boxcontaining the contact lens are arranged inside the cabinet,advantageously at an outlet from the cabinet.
 7. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the device includes display device for displaying saidadditional data relating to the contact lens, which data includes datato be supplied by a user concerning the shape of the lens, the nature ofthe material forming the lens, and the frequency with which the lens isto be worn.
 8. A device according to claim 1, wherein the deviceincludes a communications device for communicating with a personalcomputer of the user, which computer stores the data from the autorefractometer.
 9. A device according to claim 1, wherein the cabinet hasa plurality of drawers, each drawer being arranged to receive aplurality of series of contact lenses of a given model so that eachseries of contact lenses differs from another series of contact lensesby its ophthalmic correction power.
 10. A device according to claim 1,wherein the data processor means associated with the calculation moduleare also arranged to determine the characteristics of a new lens fromthe characteristics of a previously identified lens and from additionaldata measured by the user on a patient wearing said previouslyidentified lens, the additional data comprising at least a measurementof over refraction, said data processor means associated with saidcalculation module also being arranged to identify the location of thisnew lens within the cabinet.
 11. A device according to claim 10, whereinwhen said previously identified lens is a spherical lens, the dataprocessor means associated with the calculation module are arranged todetermine the sphere, the cylinder, and the axis of the new lens on thebasis of the characteristics of the previously identified lens and of ameasurement of over refraction performed on the patient wearing saidpreviously identified lens.
 12. A device according to claim 10, whereinwhen the previously identified lens is a toric lens, the data processormeans associated with the calculation module are arranged to determinethe sphere, the cylinder, and the axis of the new lens from thecharacteristics of the previously identified lens and from measurementsof over refraction and of rotation performed by the user on the patientwearing said previously identified lens.
 13. A device according to claim10, wherein when the previously identified lens is a progressive lens,the data processor means associated with the calculation module arearranged to determine the sphere and/or the addition of the new lensfrom the characteristics of the previously identified lens, inparticular its addition, from the age of the patient, and from overrefraction, duochrome, and near and far vision visual acuitymeasurements, and from a determination of the dominant or fellow eye ofthe patient performed by the user on the patient wearing the previouslyidentified lens.